HEMATOLOGICAL REFERENCE VALUES FOR FARMED RED DEER (CERVUS-ELAPHUS) IN NEW-ZEALAND

An automatic haematology analyser (Technicon H6000/C) providing red ce ll, white cell and platelet parameters was calibrated for the blood of red deer Cervus elaphus. Haematology reference values for these param eters, plasma viscosity and plasma fibrinogen are presented for define d groups of female weaner red deer (n = 123), adult red deer hinds (n = 86) and weaner male red deer (n = 37), the latter being bled using p hysical restraint and also using xylazine sedation. Age, sex, sedation and season-related differences were found. Reference values are also presented for serum haptoglobin in adult hinds and levels were similar to those seen in cattle. Seasonal analysis of the hinds was checked o n a further group of 336 hinds, showing higher acute phase proteins in spring and summer which were possibly related to an increase in eosin ophil count starting in spring and continuing through into autumn, and slightly increased neutrophil counts in the summer. Circulating red c ell mass parameters were higher in the winter in the hinds, whereas th e reverse was found in male weaner deer. There was some evidence of mi ld iron deficiency in late pregnancy and during lactation in the femal es. MCV appeared to increase with age, and basophil count was higher i n the male deer than in females. No evidence for a neutrophil leucocyt osis during pregnancy was found. Plasma viscosity was essentially the same for adult hinds and male weaners, but slightly lower in female we aners, the male group showing a slightly higher upper limit for fibrin ogen. Plasma viscosity exhibited seasonal variation.